ISKANDAR PUTERI, Feb 17 — Eco World Development Group Bhd (EcoWorld Malaysia) is set to introduce the country’s first robot guest registration and food delivery system in the third quarter of this year at its Eco Nest serviced apartments.
The company today signed a memorandum of understanding with Dun-Qian Intelligent Hotel Management Co Ltd of Taiwan on adapting the technology to such tasks.
Dun-Qian is the first company to introduce a robotic system to the hotel industry in Taiwan.
EcoWorld president and chief executive officer Datuk Chang Kim Wah said 50 residential units and retail lots at Eco Nest have been leased to Dun-Qian for the purpose.
“For the first phase of this pioneer project, two or three robots will be used for guest check-in and check-out.
“Customers only have to give details of the unit they have booked to the robot, and they will then be shown the unit. The robot will also deliver food that has been ordered to their unit,” he told reporters after the MoU signing here.
Chang said the MoU gives EcoWorld the best opportunity to improve its service, adding the company plans to expand the use of such robots to other projects if customer response is good.
Dun-Qian CEO Sam Wu said the partnership would help his company penetrate Malaysia’s tourism market.
Meanwhile, Johor Women Development and Tourism Committee chairman Liow Cai Tung, who was at the MoU signing, said the use of such technology could help the state’s hotel industry stay relevant in the 21st century.
However, she said the use of robots and artificial intelligence is not meant to reduce the need for humans but to complete repetitive tasks so that manpower can be maximised in other places in a bid to provide the best hospitality service. — Bernama
